New government requirement for Menopause Action Plans

The new Labour government has stated that all companies with more than 250 staff must have a Menopause Action Plan.  Deputy PM Angela Rayner also said that “Employers will be required to submit their plans annually to the existing government portal used for gender pay gap reporting” .

Creating a Menopause Action Plan for businesses is key to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment and is a great starting point to support menstrual health in your workplace.

But what is a Menopause Action Plan?

Start by pledging to raise awareness through training and educational programmes about menopause and its impact on employees.  Flexible working policies, like remote work options and adjustable hours, can help those experiencing symptoms balance manage them better whilst eliminating the impact on their working life.  It's also important to provide access to health and wellness resources, including specialist support from practitioners who can provide tailored insight into menopause, its impact and how to reduce and manage symptoms.

Encouraging open conversations and reducing the stigma around menopause will help create a supportive culture: training, awareness-raising literature and discussion groups can really help with this.  And of course implementing, regularly reviewing and updating policies to address the changing needs of employees ensures the workplace stays inclusive and responsive to the challenges of menopause.

Don’t forget, though, that this is only the tip of the iceberg.  Around 30 per cent of your female staff will be going through the menopause at any one time.  Whilst around 40 per cent of women will be struggling with their periods.

Adding wider women’s health into your menopause work with us here at Halcyon won’t cost a whole lot more but will massively increase your staff productivity, morale and retention:

• Workplace Gender Equality Agency found that companies who support gender equality and women’s health see a 22 per cent higher retention rate.
• PwC agree, stating that women who believe their employer supports their health and wellbeing are 3 times more likely to stay with their employer for more than 5 years.

If you’d like to look at implementing a Menopause Action Plan, or want a chat about wider women’s health support then please get in touch today.  We can help meet the new government requirements, and more!

Or take our quick desktop (FREE!) Women’s Health audit 

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About Sarah 

Sarah Darwen is passionate about women’s health.  She was diagnosed with endometriosis in her mid 20s and, having undergone treatment (including an induced menopause) under the NHS unsuccessfully was faced with the heart-breaking news that a hysterectomy was the next (and only) step.  She refused to accept that this was necessary and looked for alternatives to help her manage her condition.   She’s been managing her endometriosis successfully for those last 20 years - most of those in remission, with only 2 flare-ups in that time.   

She now offers training on reproductive, hormonal and menstrual health to managers and staff, as well as effective treatment and self-management programmes to people struggling with their symptoms.   She also hosts women's circles locally and online to support women looking to reach beyond the limitations of their symptoms.  

www.halcyontherapies.co.uk 

www.naturalendometriosisexpert.com 

www.halcyondays.uk